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Research from Binghamton University and California State University reveals that African American families face disproportionately high energy costs, spending 5.1% of their income on energy compared to the national average of 3.2%. This disparity persists even when comparing households with similar income levels across different racial groups. The researchers attribute this inequality to two main factors: Black families are more likely to live in older, less energy-efficient homes, and they more frequently rent rather than own, preventing them from making efficiency upgrades while landlords lack incentive to invest in improvements. These patterns stem partly from historical redlining practices that created lasting underinvestment in predominantly Black neighborhoods, and the study emphasizes that effective policy solutions must be community-specific rather than universal approaches. # Key Takeaways

Researchers from three universities surveyed 1,000 students over two years to understand how campus environments influence students' attitudes toward religious diversity. Their findings revealed that students develop more positive views about religious differences when they perceive their campus as diverse, have safe spaces to express their own beliefs, and engage in challenging conversations that question stereotypes and assumptions. However, when students encounter insensitive comments that make them feel threatened, their openness to religious diversity declines. The researchers recommend that universities actively acknowledge religious diversity through communications, provide supportive spaces for different faith groups, and facilitate robust classroom discussions about religion rather than avoiding these topics. # Key Takeaways

The Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church hosted the Annual Connecting Hope Food Drive, organized by Reverend Ray Smith, which provided comprehensive holiday meal packages including 800 turkeys and accompanying groceries to families in need. More than 25 volunteers assembled food bags over several days, with additional volunteers managing a drive-through distribution event that served 38 participating local churches. Each church had submitted requests for specific quantities of food baskets and turkeys to distribute among their own congregation members and community recipients. Reverend Townsend, the host pastor, noted that food insecurity is increasing in the area, with more people seeking emergency food assistance at the church, sometimes requiring immediate response to feed families on the spot. # Key Takeaways

Two coalitions, Mass Blackout and We Ain't Buying It, are organizing economic boycotts over the Thanksgiving weekend to protest policies they believe have devastated Black communities economically. The movement responds to the removal of hundreds of thousands of Black federal workers since Trump's return to office, with Black women particularly affected as 265,000 have left the labor market since January and their unemployment rate has risen to 7.5 percent. The boycotts target major retailers like Amazon and Home Depot, which activists accuse of either benefiting from or cooperating with the Trump administration's agenda. Organizers frame this action as resistance against corporate entities that profit while Black families face economic collapse from federal policy changes affecting jobs, food assistance, healthcare, and income supports.

The California Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications conducted an online forum on November 20 to inform ethnic media outlets about two state programs designed to help residents. The CalAssist Mortgage Fund offers up to $20,000 in non-repayable grants to homeowners affected by disasters between January 2023 and January 2025, with recently expanded income eligibility that allows more families to qualify. The Check to Protect campaign addresses California's more than 6 million vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls by encouraging residents to verify their vehicle status online and obtain free repairs. Both initiatives specifically target Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Black communities, which historically face disproportionate impacts from disasters and vehicle safety issues. # Key Takeaways

Viola Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, passed away at age 111 on November 24, leaving behind a powerful legacy of advocacy and remembrance. Having witnessed the destruction of Greenwood's prosperous Black Wall Street as a child, she dedicated her life to ensuring this tragic chapter of American history would not be forgotten or minimized. Throughout her long life, she testified before Congress demanding reparations, co-authored a memoir with her grandson, and contributed oral histories to preserve the truth of what happened. Her remarkable journey included receiving honorary citizenship in Ghana at age 108 alongside her brother, and establishing a foundation focused on education, health, and economic opportunity in her community.

Prince Hall Free Masons Consistory No. 91 hosted their Annual Senior Appreciation Luncheon at a San Diego senior center in late November 2025, welcoming approximately 100 attendees to an event with decades of local tradition. The Consistory represents Prince Hall Masonry, which traces its origins to 1784 as the nation's oldest African American Masonic organization, founded by abolitionist Prince Hall who led Boston's free Black community. This year's celebration specifically recognized Mrs. Kathy Ramsey for her extensive contributions spanning military service, healthcare work, church involvement, and senior center volunteerism. The formal gathering showcased the organization's ongoing commitment to honoring community elders and maintaining the proud legacy of free Black Masonry. # Key Takeaways

The tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in their home highlight critical gaps in America's preparation for an aging population. Hackman, who had Alzheimer's disease, was left helpless after his caregiver wife died days before him from Hantavirus complications. A geriatric physician uses this case to illustrate how most Americans fail to adequately plan for older age, despite nearly 70% requiring long-term care during their lifetime. The article examines the substantial financial burden of elder care, which is largely not covered by Medicare, and emphasizes the importance of advance directives, caregiver arrangements, and utilizing available support programs, all while federal budget cuts threaten existing resources.

Viola Ford Fletcher, one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, passed away at age 111 in a Tulsa hospital surrounded by family. As a seven-year-old child, she witnessed the devastating two-day attack on Greenwood, a prosperous Black community known as Black Wall Street, where a white mob killed hundreds and destroyed over 30 city blocks. After decades of silence due to fear of reprisals, she became an advocate for justice in her later years, testifying before Congress in 2021 and joining a lawsuit seeking reparations that was ultimately dismissed by Oklahoma's Supreme Court. Despite working as a welder during World War II and spending most of her life as a housekeeper while raising three children, Fletcher died without receiving any compensation from the city or state for the trauma and generational wealth she and her community lost. # Key Takeaways

The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute released its 2025 report revealing severe disparities facing California's 1.2 million Black women and girls across economics, health, housing, and safety. Black women earn only 60 cents per dollar compared to White men, with 25% living below the poverty line and facing eviction rates nearly double other groups. Health challenges include being six times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes and significantly higher rates of chronic diseases, despite 80% having insurance. However, the report also highlights Black women's exceptional civic engagement, as they vote at higher rates than any demographic and hold 243 local government leadership positions while frequently serving as community anchors. The institute calls for policy changes including expanded maternal health programs, investment in Black women-led organizations, and mandatory pay transparency laws.

The Caregiver Coalition of San Diego is hosting a free webinar on November 25th, 2025, from 4:00pm to 4:30pm via Microsoft Teams. The half-hour virtual session will feature Jonathan Tague, an Outreach and Education Specialist from Aging and Independence Services, who will present information about holiday scams and fraud. Caregivers can participate either through an online meeting link or by dialing in via phone using the provided meeting credentials. The event aims to educate caregivers about protecting themselves and those they care for during the holiday season. # Key Takeaways

The House of Somalia has made history as the first African nation represented in the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages at San Diego's Balboa Park, officially joining on November 2nd and celebrating with their first lawn program on November 23, 2025. Co-Founder and President Rahmo Abdi emphasized that while Somalia is the first African house, it will not be the last, highlighting the significance of this representation for the African diaspora community. The celebration featured traditional Somali performances, including dances that honor the camel's importance in nomadic culture, musical performances by artist Safiya Tusmo, and cultural presentations by the Somali Museum of Minnesota. Community leaders stressed the importance of creating a space where younger generations born in America can connect with their ancestral heritage and cultural identity. The establishment of this house represents both a milestone achievement and a foundation for future African representation at this prominent San Diego cultural institution. # Key Takeaways

Legendary Jamaican reggae artist Jimmy Cliff has passed away following a seizure and subsequent pneumonia, according to an announcement from his wife on social media. Rising from humble rural beginnings to international stardom over six decades, Cliff helped pioneer reggae's global expansion alongside Bob Marley through socially conscious hits like "The Harder They Come" and "Many Rivers to Cross." Throughout his career, he blended reggae with various musical genres while maintaining sharp political messaging, collaborating with major artists and earning induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. His influence as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica and reggae music extends across multiple generations worldwide. # Key Takeaways

A 43-day government shutdown caused severe disruptions to air travel across the United States, particularly affecting California's major airports including LAX, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Diego. The Federal Aviation Administration was forced to order flight reductions of up to 6% at 40 airports due to critical shortages of air traffic controllers, leading to hundreds of cancellations and extensive delays that frustrated travelers like Oakland resident Marcus Hill. Although President Trump signed an agreement on November 12th to end the shutdown, aviation officials warn that flight delays will likely continue for at least another week as the system recovers. Transportation authorities are working to restore normal operations by ensuring air traffic controllers return to work and receive back pay, while travel experts advise passengers to book early morning nonstop flights and maintain flexibility during the upcoming holiday season.

The Trump Administration is actively working to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, which was established in 1979 to coordinate federal education support and protect students' civil rights. Representative Bobby Scott, the senior Democrat on the House Education Committee, has stated that closing a federal agency requires Congressional approval, which the administration lacks, and accused Trump of attempting to break the law. The effort is part of a broader agenda to roll back civil rights protections from the 1960s, including housing anti-discrimination rules, disparate-impact enforcement, and DEI programs. A major unresolved question is what will happen to the department's civil rights division and whether its responsibilities will be eliminated entirely or transferred elsewhere. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump sparked widespread condemnation after posting on social media that six Democratic lawmakers' conduct constituted sedition "punishable by DEATH," while reposting messages calling to "hang them" and demanding their arrest. The targeted lawmakers—all military veterans or former intelligence officers—had released a video reminding service members they can refuse unlawful orders, which Trump characterized as treasonous and dangerous. Democratic leadership and some Republican members of Congress, including Senator Susan Collins, denounced the president's rhetoric as inciting political violence and threatening democracy. The six targeted lawmakers reaffirmed their constitutional oath and stated they would not be intimidated, while Representative Al Green renewed his call for impeachment proceedings against Trump.

H. Rap Brown, who died at 82 in federal custody under the name Imam Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, was a prominent Black Power activist who became chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at age 23 in 1967. His fiery speeches about racial injustice prompted intense federal surveillance and led Congress to pass the 1968 "H. Rap Brown Law" targeting him specifically. After being wounded and imprisoned following a 1971 shootout, he converted to Islam in Attica prison and later emerged as a reformed community leader in Atlanta, running a mosque and youth programs. Despite another inmate's repeated confessions to a 2000 shooting of two deputies that killed one, Al-Amin was convicted and remained imprisoned until his recent death, with Muslim civil rights organizations now demanding his exoneration. # Key Takeaways

Terri McCullough, who began her career as an intern for Nancy Pelosi in 1991, is stepping down from her historic role as the first woman to serve as chief of staff to a House Speaker in an official, paid capacity. Throughout their decades-long partnership, McCullough and Pelosi worked together on landmark legislation including the Affordable Care Act, COVID-19 relief measures, and infrastructure bills, while consistently prioritizing policies benefiting women and LGBTQ+ communities. McCullough's tenure included navigating extraordinary challenges such as two presidential impeachments, the pandemic, and the January 6 Capitol attack, during which she played a crucial role in forming the Select Committee investigating the insurrection. As both women transition from their positions—Pelosi ending her nearly 40-year congressional career and McCullough moving to a senior adviser role—colleagues have praised McCullough's effectiveness, integrity, and commitment to mentoring other women in leadership. # Key Takeaways

A Los Angeles court has issued an unprecedented order blocking the public release of autopsy records for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose severely decomposed body was discovered in September 2024 inside a car belonging to singer D4vd. The teenager, who had a history of running away from her Lake Elsinore home, was last seen in April 2024 and had been missing for months before her remains were found in a towed Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard. The police-requested security hold has drawn criticism from the county's chief medical examiner, who called such orders extremely rare and unhelpful to the justice system. While D4vd's representatives say he is cooperating with authorities, no arrests have been made, and the case has effectively ended the 20-year-old singer's rising career, with his tour canceled and multiple business partnerships terminated.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will resign from Congress on January 5, ending her five-year tenure after a public falling-out with President Trump, who called her "a traitor" and withdrew his endorsement. The conflict arose after Greene criticized Trump's policies and pushed for releasing Jeffrey Epstein investigation files against his wishes, marking a dramatic shift from her previous role as one of his most loyal supporters. While speculation immediately emerged about a potential 2028 presidential run, Greene denied these rumors, though she hasn't ruled out pursuing Georgia's governorship or Senate seat in 2026. Political analysts suggest she may instead transition to media and podcasting to maintain her public profile, though her unpopularity beyond her congressional district may limit her statewide political viability. # Key Takeaways

On Saturday, November 22nd, the 47th Street Church of God hosted a community turkey giveaway that drew large crowds of local residents. Participants formed a lengthy queue extending around the building to receive donated turkeys before the holiday season. The charitable event served various demographics including families and elderly community members who came from different neighborhoods in the surrounding area. Dedicated volunteers distributed the turkeys to attendees, creating an atmosphere of thanksgiving and neighborly connection while ensuring each person received their donation. # Key Takeaways

A Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and resource fair took place last Saturday at the Joe and IV Jacobs Center parking lot, drawing large crowds from the community. Multiple organizations including Community Wraparound, San Ysidro Health, Chase, and several others set up booths to provide resources and support to attendees. The event distributed free turkeys and bags of food to community members, though organizers ran out of turkeys quickly due to high turnout. Local dignitaries attended the event, which aimed to help families celebrate Thanksgiving with additional food resources made possible through donor contributions. # Key Takeaways

Americans typically gain between one and six pounds during the holiday season, though experts indicate that gradual weight accumulation throughout the year poses a more significant challenge. The body's metabolism, which converts food into energy, is primarily determined by factors including muscle mass, age, height, weight, and genetics, with muscle tissue playing the most crucial role in calorie burning. Medical professionals recommend four evidence-based strategies to maintain metabolic efficiency: consuming fiber-rich foods that require more digestive energy, eating protein regularly to support muscle maintenance, engaging in strength training exercises to build lean muscle, and prioritizing adequate sleep to regulate hunger hormones. Implementing these sustainable lifestyle modifications can help people navigate holiday indulgences while avoiding unwanted weight gain.

Porter Elementary School hosted a Thanksgiving food distribution event last Saturday organized by Mandate Impact and a community member known as "Mama B," who annually celebrates her birthday by giving away food to families in need. One hundred pre-registered families received laundry baskets filled with groceries and frozen turkeys through a drive-through system. The distribution had to operate as a drive-through partly because the school's auditorium, where supplies were stored, has been without electricity for over a month, affecting regular school activities. Volunteers Drs. Leonard and Michelle Thompson, along with Mama B, spent months collecting donations and preparing for the successful event that provided holiday meals to all registered families.

The California State Senate has a new leader as Senator Monique Limón became the first Latina to serve as President pro Tempore, officially taking office in November with a formal ceremony planned for January 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom made several key announcements, including appointing Paulette Brown-Hinds, publisher of Black Voice News, to the California Transportation Commission and allocating nearly $250 million toward community health programs and manufacturing job creation. However, California faces significant fiscal challenges with an anticipated $18 billion budget shortfall projected for 2026-2027, driven by rising spending commitments and dependence on volatile revenue from high-income earners and tech companies. Additional uncertainty comes from the Trump administration's decision to cut federal Housing First program funding, which threatens California's homelessness strategy, while a federal court blocked Texas's redistricting plan that had aimed to create more Republican seats.

A media scholar draws parallels between 19th-century abolitionist journalism and contemporary debates over historical memory, particularly regarding President Trump's executive order targeting certain historical materials about slavery. Before the Civil War, abolitionists fought against pro-slavery propaganda by compiling extensive documented evidence of slavery's brutality, including eyewitness accounts, official records, and plantation owners' own advertisements in newspapers. Their methodical approach to exposing injustice through verified facts helped establish early investigative journalism techniques and influenced works like "Uncle Tom's Cabin," though ultimately it required civil war to end slavery. The author argues that preserving difficult historical evidence, such as the photograph "The Scourged Back," remains essential today to prevent historical whitewashing and ensure past injustices are neither forgotten nor repeated.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted seven studies with over 10,000 participants to examine how learning through large language models like ChatGPT compares to traditional Google searches. The experiments consistently showed that people who used AI chatbots to learn about topics developed more superficial understanding and produced shorter, less useful advice than those who navigated web links themselves. This difference persisted even when researchers controlled for the information presented and the platform used, suggesting the problem stems from LLMs transforming learning from an active to passive process. The researchers emphasize that while LLMs have legitimate uses for quick factual queries, people should strategically choose traditional search methods when seeking to develop deep knowledge, and future tools should incorporate "healthy frictions" to encourage more active engagement with source material. # Key Takeaways

Chadwick Boseman was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during an emotional ceremony on Thursday, which was designated as "Chadwick Boseman Day" in Hollywood. The beloved actor, who passed away in 2020 at age 43 following a private battle with colon cancer, was remembered by close colleagues including Viola Davis, Ryan Coogler, and his widow Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman. Speakers celebrated Boseman's remarkable talent, leadership qualities, and the profound impact he had on those around him both personally and professionally. Throughout his career, Boseman portrayed iconic figures including T'Challa in "Black Panther," Thurgood Marshall, James Brown, and Jackie Robinson, leaving behind a powerful legacy in film and television.

A new LendingTree analysis reveals that childcare costs in the United States have reached crisis levels, with infant care exceeding average rent in 11 major metropolitan areas and care for two children surpassing rent in 85 cities nationwide. The financial strain has intensified due to a federal government shutdown that has cut funding to 140 Head Start programs serving 65,000 preschoolers, forcing at least 20 programs to close and affecting nearly 10,000 children. Nationally, full-time infant care averages $1,282 monthly compared to $1,716 for rent, but childcare costs have surged over 30 percent between 2020 and 2024 due to educator shortages and childcare deserts. In Washington D.C. specifically, families with two young children face particularly severe burdens, paying an average of $3,854 monthly for childcare—71 percent more than the region's average rent. # Key Takeaways